Processing keyword: Noun といわず Noun といわず (A to iwazu B to iwazu)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun といわず Noun といわず (A to iwazu B to iwazu)

Noun といわず Noun といわず (AといわずBといわず)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Noun といわず Noun といわず (AといわずBといわず). This expression is used to indicate that something applies equally to both A and B without distinction. It's a way to emphasize that something is true for all mentioned items or situations.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

Noun といわず Noun といわず translates to:

• "Not only A but also B"
• "Whether it's A or B"
• "Both A and B"
• "All of (A and B) without exception" It's used to express that a statement applies to all the mentioned nouns equally, emphasizing that there are no exceptions or distinctions between them.

Structure

Formation:

Noun A + といわず + Noun B + といわず + [Rest of the sentence]

• Noun A: The first noun (e.g., hands, day)
• Noun B: The second noun (e.g., feet, night)
• といわず: A set phrase meaning "not to mention" or "regardless of" Diagram:

  Component	Explanation
  Noun A	The first item being referred to
  といわず	"Not even saying" (regardless)
  Noun B	The second item being referred to
  といわず	"Not even saying" (reiterated)
  Rest of Sentence	The action/state that applies to both

Example Breakdown

Sentence:

• 手といわず足といわず泥だらけだ。 Breakdown:
• 手といわず: Not just the hands
• 足といわず: Not just the feet
• 泥だらけだ: Are covered in mud Meaning: They are covered in mud all over, from hands to feet.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ～を問わず (～をとわず)

• Meaning: "Regardless of" or "Irrespective of"
• Usage: Indicates that something is true without concern for the specified factor.
• Example: 年齢を問わず参加できます。("You can participate regardless of age.") Difference: While ～を問わず focuses on a single factor being irrelevant, Noun といわず Noun といわず emphasizes that something applies equally to multiple specific items.

2. ～に関わらず (～にかかわらず)

• Meaning: "Regardless of" or "Despite"
• Usage: Used to show that something is not influenced by a particular factor.
• Example: 天候に関わらずイベントは開催します。("The event will be held regardless of the weather.") Difference: Similar to ～を問わず, but に関わらず is used for factors that might typically affect the outcome. Noun といわず Noun といわず specifically lists two nouns to emphasize inclusivity.

4. Examples in Context

Let's look at how Noun といわず Noun といわず is used in various sentences.

Example 1

Japanese: 彼は平日といわず週末といわず働いている。 Romaji: Kare wa heijitsu to iwazu shūmatsu to iwazu hataraite iru. Translation: He is working all the time, weekdays and weekends alike.

Example 2

Japanese: 赤ちゃんは昼といわず夜といわず泣いている。 Romaji: Akachan wa hiru to iwazu yoru to iwazu naite iru. Translation: The baby cries constantly, day and night.

Example 3

Japanese: 学生たちは教室といわず図書館といわず勉強している。 Romaji: Gakusei-tachi wa kyōshitsu to iwazu toshokan to iwazu benkyō shite iru. Translation: The students are studying everywhere, in classrooms and libraries alike.

Example 4

Japanese: 彼女は国内といわず海外といわず旅行が好きだ。 Romaji: Kanojo wa kokunai to iwazu kaigai to iwazu ryokō ga suki da. Translation: She loves traveling everywhere, both domestically and abroad.

Example 5

Japanese: 子供たちは顔といわず服といわず絵の具まみれだ。 Romaji: Kodomo-tachi wa kao to iwazu fuku to iwazu enogu mamire da. Translation: The children are covered in paint everywhere, on their faces and clothes.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, emphasizing inclusivity and the entirety of something is common. Noun といわず Noun といわず reflects this by indicating that no part is excluded from the statement.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Usage: This grammar point is more formal and often used in written language or formal speech.
• Context: You might find it in literature, news reports, or formal announcements.

Idiomatic Expressions

手といわず足といわず

• Meaning: "From head to toe" (literally "hands and feet")
• Usage: Describes someone being entirely covered or involved. Example:
• Japanese: 彼は手といわず足といわず泥まみれだ。
• Translation: He is covered in mud from hands to feet.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using Unrelated Nouns
   • Incorrect: 彼は犬といわずパソコンといわず好きだ。
   • Why? The nouns should be related or form a natural pair.
   • Corrected: 彼は犬といわず猫といわず動物が好きだ。
   • Translation: He likes animals, both dogs and cats.
2. Using More Than Two Nouns
   • Incorrect: 彼は春といわず夏といわず秋といわず冬といわず走っている。
   • Why? The structure is meant for two nouns.
   • Corrected: 彼は季節を問わず走っている。
   • Translation: He runs regardless of the season.

Tips

• Use Natural Pairs: Common pairs include:
  • 昼といわず夜といわず (day and night)
  • 手といわず足といわず (hands and feet)
  • 内といわず外といわず (inside and outside)
• Context Matters: Ensure the nouns make sense together and the action applies equally to both.
• Formal Usage: Remember that this is a formal expression. In casual conversation, simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Purpose: The grammar point Noun といわず Noun といわず emphasizes that something applies equally to both nouns mentioned.
• Structure: It follows the pattern of listing two related nouns followed by といわず, and then the rest of the sentence.
• Usage: Often used in formal contexts to emphasize inclusivity without exception.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does Noun といわず Noun といわず mean?
   • Answer: It means "not only A but also B," indicating that something applies equally to both nouns.
2. Can you use unrelated nouns with this grammar point?
   • Answer: No, the nouns should be related or form a natural pair.
3. Is this expression formal or casual?
   • Answer: It is a formal expression.

By mastering Noun といわず Noun といわず, you'll be able to express the idea of inclusiveness and emphasize that a statement applies universally to the items mentioned. Practice creating your own sentences using natural noun pairs to become more comfortable with this structure.